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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. August 07, 2018

In This Issue

Google Glass Gives Children with Autism New Hope, Helps Them See Emotions

Signs of anxiety in infancy may foreshadow autism

Anti-Vaccine Activists Have Taken Vaccine Science Hostage

Students Should Change the University: Disability and Difference in the Classroom

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

Conference: Love & Autism - Early Bird Pricing Ends August 15th!

ATPF 10th Annual USD Football Player Mentor Program

Improv Classes for Teens on the Autism Spectrum

Accepting Applications for NFAR's Teachers Grants Program

Therapeutic Approach to Growth

YOU'RE INVITED: NFAR's Charity Golf - Sign Up Now and Save!

Summer Camp for Teens & Adults with Special Needs

8th Annual ATPF Girls Summer Art Camp: Session 2

Best Buddies San Diego Social-Movie in the Park!

Back to School Free Webinar - SD August Flyer - and Lots of News!

Jeremiahs Ranch August Newsletter

Fall VIP Soccer Registration Open

ALL AGES Sensory Friendly Night at Playwerx!

SMYBB-Shooting Stars


 



THIS MONTH'S SPONSORS






  • Google Glass Gives Children with Autism New Hope, Helps Them See Emotions
  • Alex is on the autism spectrum. He had barely looked up at his mother, Donji Cullenbine, for the first seven years of his life. And then, one day, he started to flutter his eyes to meet her gaze.

    "Is this real?" she remembers asking herself. "Then he did it again."

    For the first time in his life, Alex, 9, could hold eye contact for more than a few moments. Cullenbine attributed the change she saw in her son to an unlikely therapy for autism: Google Glass.

    Alex had started wearing the device several days a week January 2017 as a participant in a Stanford pilot study, published on Thursday. The researchers wanted to test a hypothesis that these glasses, used with a smartphone application, could help children with autism identify emotions and hit pivotal social milestones that they might otherwise miss, the senior author of the study, Dennis Wall, told Newsweek. Read on...

  • Signs of anxiety in infancy may foreshadow autism
  • Fearfulness and shyness in babies and toddlers predict features of autism at age 7, according to a new study1. But early problems with impulse control and hyperactivity do not augur autism features.

    The findings suggest that autism and anxiety have similar roots in the brain, but autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) do not, says lead investigator Tony Charman, chair of clinical child psychology at King's College London.

    "It's not saying there's not an association between autism and ADHD, but the developmental origins are just less similar than those for autism and anxiety," Charman says. Read on...

  • Anti-Vaccine Activists Have Taken Vaccine Science Hostage
  • Americans who don't want to vaccinate are increasingly getting their way: A June study found that, over the past decade, the number of philosophical vaccine exemptions rose in two-thirds of the states that allow them.

    What drives these wrongheaded decisions is fear - fear that vaccines are somehow dangerous, even though research shows the opposite. And these choices have consequences. The 2015 Disneyland measles outbreak sickened at least 125 people, many of them unvaccinated.

    As a science journalist, I've written several articles to quell vaccine angst and encourage immunization. But lately, I've noticed that the cloud of fear surrounding vaccines is having another nefarious effect: It is eroding the integrity of vaccine science. Read on...

  • Students Should Change the University: Disability and Difference in the Classroom
  • When one of my students with autism made national news, I was interviewed about the way I teach disabled students. For the first question, the journalist asked, "Do you try to treat students with disabilities like everyone else?" It sounded like a loaded question with the only obvious answer being an emphatic "Yes!"

    Indeed, if I had answered that question just a few years earlier, before I had studied disability, I would have said that disability accommodations should change the least things possible about a class, that we should try to get disabled students to learn as "normally" as possible. Treating all students the same, I had assumed, was the way to be fair and equal. Universities, too, default to this business-as-usual approach, making it difficult for faculty and students to change the system. Read on...

  • Family and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • I wanted to put the word out about Sari Kuperstein, a really fantastic ABA therapist / behavior specialist. She is extremely energetic, loving but firm, patient, has tons of great ideas. She used to work for a school district and has many years of experience.

    She is not presently a vendor for the regional center. We have been employing her several days per week for my severely autistic adult sister, who is now in a day program, so Sari has most days available. Her fees are quite reasonable.

    She can be reached at (754) 215-2219 (texting is best) or [email protected]



    We have several families (North County Inland) in our parent support group who are looking for day programs, or other providers, for young adults on the spectrum with challenging behaviors. The adults are around age 22 and have been classified as ASD with IDD as a secondary condition. We hope to find providers who are willing to take them out into the community fairly regularly and have ABA or similar background experience--or at least have the needed attitude and people skills! All suggestions considered! --- Thank you! [email protected]



    Looking for a female caregiver for my adult daughter with high functioning autism. 14.5 hours per week. $10.72/hr (county min. Wage). Payment is through the county IHSS program. Light housekeeping, laundry, assist with food shopping, meal prep and medication refills/adherence. Must have reliable transportation, good DMV record, proof of insurance and background check. No drinking or other substance abuse. SDSU area.
    Thank you so much!
    Debra Berl [email protected]



    If you have a question or request for this newsletter group, please send your email request to [email protected]. People who can help you will email you directly with their responses.

  • Conference: Love & Autism - Early Bird Pricing Ends August 15th!
  • October 13-14th, 2018
    9:00AM - 4:30PM
    Liberty Station Conference Center, San Diego, CA


    We value neurodivergent leaders and reject the pathology paradigm because the development of healthy autistic identities matters. Allowing love to lead us, we create powerful change in the world. Don't settle for the status quo, trust your heart. This is Love & Autism

    Click here for all the info and to register!!!

  • ATPF 10th Annual USD Football Player Mentor Program
  • Hosted by Autism Tree Project Foundation
    Saturday, August 11 at 4 PM - 6 PM
    Torero Stadium
    5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, California 92111


    Join us for a fun afternoon to meet and greet the USD Football Team! RSVP today to pair your kid with a football player mentor for the 2018 season!

    We need volunteers for this FUN event: setting up, checking in families, taking pictures, serving food, and breaking down!

    Want to VOLUNTEER? Sign up here: https://goo.gl/forms/AV1OBklSfnYu6qpo2

    For more information or to RSVP your kid to be paired with a player mentor, contact us at 619-222-4465, or email [email protected]

  • Improv Classes for Teens on the Autism Spectrum
  • Starts August 15th in Point Loma!!!
    www.unscriptedlearning.org
    619-500-4628

  • Accepting Applications for NFAR's Teachers Grants Program
  • Autism affects one in every 59 children in the United States and a growing number of students each year in classrooms across San Diego County.

    To help, NFAR established a program in 2005 that awards funding to educators to support the specialized academic needs of their students with autism.

    The 2018/2019 NFAR Teachers' Applications are due September 30th.

    Sample grant applications, Guidelines and Restrictions are on the website.

    Apply or learn more!

  • Therapeutic Approach to Growth
  • Therapeutic Approach to Growth believes that every individual is unique and has the potential for significant growth. We assume and foster competence while honoring family values and priorities. Our holistic approach is built upon trusting, supportive relationships and collaboration between disciplines and families.

    We specializing in the development and implementation of individualized comprehensive programs utilizing Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration, Sensory Processing, Applied Behavior Analysis, Art Therapy, and Life Balance Yoga Therapy.

    Offering support in the San Diego, Carlsbad, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.

    In addition to supporting our clients directly, we offer guidance to parents, grandparents, therapists, teachers, siblings, school staff, babysitters etc.

    Therapeutic Approach to Growth
    [email protected]
    (858) 689-2027

  • YOU'RE INVITED: NFAR's Charity Golf - Sign Up Now and Save!
  • Calling All Golfers!

    Join us at Morgan Run's beautiful golf club and resort for a fun filled day of golf, contests, great prizes, and more! Registration includes a golf cart, fun contests, box lunch, dinner, fun prizes and more.

    Why We Golf
    NFAR's Charity Golf Tournament is to help raise funds for autism programs, including our Technical Training Vocational Program for young adults. Unemployment for those with autism is 85% - higher than for any other disability. NFAR is working to change this with a comprehensive program that provides technical and soft skills instruction, certification, and work internship.

    Sponsorship
    Showcase your Company by becoming a Sponsor! For more information on Sponsorship opportunities, contact Maggie Katz at 858-679-8800.

    EVENT DETAILS

    • MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2018
    • 10:30 AM: Check-In
    • 12 NOON: Shotgun Start
    • SINGLE PLAYERS: $150
    • FOURSOME: $495
    • Includes: Range Balls, Golf Cart, Lunch, Dinner, Beer, Games, Fun Prizes and more!
    MORGAN RUN CLUB & RESORT
    5690 CANCHA DE GOLF
    RANCHO SANTA FE, CA 92091

    Click here to register!!!

  • Summer Camp for Teens & Adults with Special Needs
  • Join us for our Dance, Music and Art Summer Camp for Teens & Adults with Special Needs

    Monday through Friday August 20-24 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
    (Including a performance on Friday August 24 for family and friends)

    • Where: Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center - 18448 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego
    • What: An Art, Dance & Music Summer Camp for Teens & Adult with Special Needs
    • Cost: $85.00 per person - includes supplies
    • Questions: Call Caroline 602-502-2743
    Registration is limited to 20 Campers
    Please register in advance
    Call 602-502-2743
    Email: [email protected]

  • 8th Annual ATPF Girls Summer Art Camp: Session 2
  • Hosted by Autism Tree Project Foundation
    Saturday, August 11 at 2 PM - 4 PM
    Encinitas Boys and Girls Club
    1221 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, California 92024


    RSVP TODAY: https://goo.gl/forms/VReDMxfIUvFWqZaL2

    ATPF & NCL Girls will joyfully be participating in different themed art workshops each Saturday during the month of August! All lessons are designed to be fun, with simple instructions.

    Outdoor activities and games will be enjoyed in the beautiful surrounding organic gardens. Nutritious gluten-free snacks will be provided. All ATPF Girls ages 6 and up are welcome to sign up for these fun FREE classes

    For more information, contact us at 619-222-4465, or email [email protected]

  • Best Buddies San Diego Social-Movie in the Park!
  • Hosted by Best Buddies California
    Friday, August 10 at 7 PM - 9 PM
    Sage Canyon Park: 5252 Harvest Run Drive, San Diego , CA


    We love Summer so what better way to celebrate the summer weather than with an outdoor movie?! Come join Best Buddies on August 10th from 7-9pm to watch JUMANJI in Sage Canyon Park!

    The movie is free, but be sure to bring your own chair, blankets, etc.

    Please RSVP so we can get a proper headcount by using the link: https://secure.meetup.com/register/

    We hope to see you there!

  • Back to School Free Webinar - SD August Flyer - and Lots of News!

  • Click here to read their latest newsletter for all the info about news, resources and upcoming events!!!

  • Jeremiahs Ranch August Newsletter
  • Click here to read their latest newsletter for all the info about their upcoming events!!!

  • Fall VIP Soccer Registration Open
  • Registration now open! San Elijo AYSO VIP Soccer Fall Season starts September 9th. The VIP league is a program designed for the specific needs of individuals whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult for them to successfully participate on mainstream soccer teams. Each player will have a Buddy to assist them while they learn soccer, meet new friends, and have fun!

    There will be 8 games, Sundays from 1-2pm at the San Elijo Softball Fields. Cost is $50 and registration is open at https://inleague.sanelijoayso.org/

    Please contact [email protected] or (760) 500-9735 with any questions.

    We hope to see you there!

  • ALL AGES Sensory Friendly Night at Playwerx!
  • Hosted by Autism Society San Diego
    Thursday, August 9 at 5 PM - 7 PM
    PlayWerx
    6060 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, California 92011


    Join us for an ALL AGES WELCOME Sensory Friendly Family Night at PlayWerx with Autism Society San Diego! PlayWerx will be closed to the general public for this special night for autism families. This event is open to families and participants of ALL ages. Play in the climbing structure, enjoy meeting other families, and enjoy an evening of judgement free relaxing family fun. $8 per participant covers entrance to the event. Food is available for purchase separately. We hope you can join us!
    Click here for all the info!!!

  • SMYBB-Shooting Stars
  • Shooting Stars Season 13 online registration is now open! (www.smybbshootingstars.com). Great news this season...in-line registration is available for players, buddies, coaches and other volunteers! (For players wanting to register by paying by check or cash, paper registration will be needed...contact us and we can coordinate).

    Corky Smith Gym
    274 Pico Avenue
    San Marcos, CA 92069

  • ASD Mornings at theNAT
  • Autism Accessibility Morning at the Fleet!

  • The third Saturday of every month, Fleet invites the Autism Spectrum Community to enjoy our museum through this special opportunity. Adults and families with children with autism can enjoy the Fleet's exhibit galleries in a quieter setting, an hour before regular open hours to the general public and with access to a special cool-off space. Visitors are welcome to stay and enjoy the museum all day. Admission includes a special IMAX film screening at 10 a.m. with the house lights on and a lower soundtrack volume.

    For more information, visit www.fleetscience.org/events/autism-accessibility-mornings.

  • San Diego Sibshop


  • October 2017 - August 2018

    WANTED: Siblings who have a brother/sister with special needs

    AGES: 7 - 12 years old
    Older siblings are welcome to attend as "Junior Leaders"

    WHAT: A fun-filled opportunity geared to the specific needs of siblings with brothers/sisters with special needs. Join us for games, crafts, hikes, cooking, and art. Meet other sibs - lunch provided

    TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

    DATES:
    August 19: Santee Lakes, 9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071**

    DONATION: $5.00 - $10.00 per meeting per family for craft materials, supplies and lunch for the kids

    REGISTRATION: Pre-registration requested by email (if possible) the Thursday before the event.

    CONTACT: Email [email protected] for a Sibshop registration form and / or additional information.

    Sibshop Leaders:
    Jody BonDurant-Strong, Administrator
    Ndoto BonDurant-Strong - adult sibling & CSUSM student
    Gina Clifton, ECSE Medically-Fragile Teacher, Special Education
    Pat Moulton, Retired

    https://www.facebook.com/sandiegosibshop/

  • Summer Camps 2018


  • Looking for summer activities that will keep your child with autism engaged and learning new skills, all while still having fun?

    San Diego is home to many summer camps, sports activities, art classes and other programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In an effort to make this process easier for parents, NFAR's guide lists many of the camp options available in our community.

    Click here to view the list!!!

     
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    Disclaimer

    I never endorse anyone or anything. Opinions expressed in what I send out, may not be shared by me. Everything is for informational purposes only.
    People who "advertise" through this newsletter have never been checked out by me. Same goes for the "Sponsors". This includes professionals and even people who are interested in babysitting, etc. So, please take the time to thoroughly check out anyone and everyone who will be working with or caring for your child/adult. We are all sadly aware, through news stories and word of mouth, of people who prey upon special needs children and adults because of their extra vulnerability.

    Valerie Dodd-Saraf
    President, Foggy Coast Ventures, Inc.
    Owner/Editor ValeriesList.com

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